Should employers sponsor ZEP holders for work visas?

That depends on the job, employer documents and the employee’s qualifications. A proper visa-category check is needed.

What should HR keep on file for ZEP employees?

Keep passport, ZEP permit, official extension source, employment records and any relevant VFS or DHA receipts.

Employer Checks

Can Employers Still Employ ZEP Holders?

Q: Can employers still employ ZEP holders?

Current ZEPs have been extended to May 2027, so employers should check the employee documents and official extension sources rather than relying on rumours.

Employers with Zimbabwean Exemption Permit staff should keep clean records and monitor official Home Affairs updates. The current extension keeps existing ZEPs valid to May 2027, but it does not remove the need for proper right-to-work checks.

Reviewed 5 August 2026. ZEP guidance checked against the South African Government statement of 15 April 2026, Minister’s Immigration Directive No. 21 of 2025, and VFS Global ZEP service pages. This is information only, not legal advice.

Employer File Checklist

Keep a copy of	Why
Passport bio page	Identity and nationality record.
Current ZEP permit	Proof of the employee’s exemption status.
Official extension source	Supports internal HR decisions during the extension period.
Employment contract and role details	Useful if the employee later checks a work visa route.
VFS/DHA receipts where relevant	Evidence of pending applications or future transitions.

What Employers Should Not Do

Do not dismiss staff based on rumours that ZEP has already ended.
Do not promise a work visa route without category-specific advice.
Do not rely on expired passport details if the employee has a new passport.
Do not ignore a Form 19, V-list or overstay issue if the employee needs to travel.

Planning Before May 2027

Employers who rely on ZEP staff should identify key roles early, check whether any employees may qualify for mainstream visas, and allow enough time for document gathering. Waiting until the final weeks of the extension period creates operational risk.

Related Immigration Checks

Zimbabwean Exemption PermitZEP status, validity and official sources

ZEP Extension 2027What the May 2027 extension means

ZEP and Permanent ResidenceWhat Home Affairs has clarified

ZEP to Work VisaWork visa routes to check before 2027

ZEP Travel RulesLeaving and re-entering South Africa

Overstay AppealForm 19 documents and email address

South Africa V-list BanV-list, Code K and Code J basics

Form 19 GuideDeclaration of undesirability checklist

SA Embassy HarareZimbabwe mission contact and opening hours